Are you planning to explore the Tuscan city of Lucca? Lucca is renowned for its stunning architecture, medieval city walls, ancient churches, beautiful squares, and narrow cobblestone streets. It is also the birthplace of the famous opera composer Giacomo Puccini.
Prepare yourself and read here about the top Lucca attractions you must see. Additionally, the Lucca Highlights Bike Tour by Baja Bikes passes by these spots!
Lucca attractions: The top sights you can’t miss!
Lucca is also known for its culinary traditions, including the famous Lucca olive oil and the wine from the hills of Montecarlo. Below is the list of must-see attractions in Lucca:
- Giacomo Puccini’s Birthplace
- Piazza San Michele & Napoleone
- The Guinigi Tower
- The City Walls
- San Martino Cathedral
- San Frediano Church
- Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
- Palazzo Pfanner
- Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi
- Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca
Discover the best activities in Lucca:
Giacomo Puccini’s Birthplace
Begin your exploration of Lucca with a visit to the birthplace of the famous opera composer Giacomo Puccini. The house is beautifully preserved and offers a glimpse into the life of this musical master.
Giacomo Puccini was one of the greatest opera composers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. His musical genius conquered the world, and his works are still regularly performed in opera houses worldwide. Puccini’s birthplace is an important historical site for music history enthusiasts.
One of the highlights of visiting Puccini’s birthplace is the opportunity to touch the keys of his piano. The piano is the original family piano and is over 150 years old. Although the keyboard is no longer in perfect condition, it is still a unique experience to play the same keys as the famous composer.
Piazza San Michele & Napoleone
These beautiful squares exude Italian charm. First, the San Michele Church on Piazza San Michele immediately catches your eye. It somewhat resembles the previously mentioned cathedral with its ornate exterior decorations. However, the interior of this church is much simpler.
Secondly, Piazza Napoleone, also known to Italians as Piazza Grande, is the main and largest square in the city. From here, the city was governed, and that’s why the Doge’s Palace, Palazzo Ducale, is located here. Since Napoleon’s sister also led the city for a period, it was named after him. An interesting piece of history took place on Piazza Napoleone, which you’ll learn more about on the Lucca Bike Tour!
Left San Michele, Right Napoleone
The Guinigi Tower
From a distance, it’s a quirky-looking tower because trees grow at the top. Of course, the view from the tower itself is also impressive. The nearly 45-meter-high tower offers a stunning view over the entire city. Climbing the tower is definitely worth it, but it can be a bit challenging due to the steep stairs. Why it’s called the Torre Guinigi is something you’ll hear about during the best Lucca Bike Tour: the Highlights. This bike tour takes you past many of Lucca’s attractions.
The city walls of Lucca
The impressive city walls of Lucca, completed in the 17th century, are one of the most striking features of this historic city. What makes these walls unique is that they have remained intact despite numerous wars and the passage of time. A walk around the walls is a must during a visit to Lucca.
The walls, totaling 4 kilometers in length and 30 meters in width, encircle the entire old city area. They not only offer a stunning panoramic view of the city but also provide a tranquil, green oasis, as the top of the wall has been transformed into a picturesque city park called Passeggiata delle Mura Urbane.
This park, with its centuries-old trees, spacious lawns, and charming paths, is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
Whether you choose to walk, jog, or cycle on the wall, you’ll have the opportunity to see the city from a unique perspective. The eleven bastions on the wall are also worth a visit. Each bastion has its own unique features and history, and some even house cultural institutions such as museums and galleries.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider a bike tour on the wall. It’s an easy and relaxing ride, and you’ll likely pick up interesting historical facts and anecdotes about the city along the way.
San Martino Cathedral
San Martino Cathedral. It is located at the eponymous Piazza de San Martino. Here, you’ll find richly decorated facades on the outside and many artistic objects inside.
On September 13th, this attraction is especially worth a visit as the cathedral is fully adorned. This happens with lights, and during this annual procession, the statue Volto Santo, or the Holy Face of Jesus, is carried through the streets. The day ends with a colorful fireworks display. Definitely worth a look if you happen to be on a city trip in Lucca. Attractions like these rightly belong in the top 3.
San Frediano Church
The San Frediano Church is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. This church dates back to the 13th century and features a stunning mosaic on the facade. Inside, you’ll find beautiful frescoes depicting the life of Christ and the saints.
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is a lively square built on the remains of a Roman amphitheater. The oval shape of the square is still visible, and there are many cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while taking in the view of this unique setting.
Palazzo Pfanner
Palazzo Pfanner is a stunning example of Tuscan Baroque architecture. The palace was built in the 17th century and features an impressive garden with fountains and statues. The palace has also been used as a film set for various movies and TV series. This is one of the Lucca attractions you absolutely must see.
Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi
Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi is a splendid example of Baroque architecture. The museum houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The highlight of the museum is the stunning collection of wall paintings and paintings by the famous painter Bartolomeo Guidobono.
Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca
The Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca is a beautiful botanical garden that boasts an impressive collection of plants and flowers from around the world. Due to its natural beauty, this is a great place to relax and enjoy while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Want to discover these top Lucca attractions too?
In short, come cycling in Lucca! Attractions like these are best explored with the most enjoyable tour of the city, accompanied by a local guide on a bike.
In just 3 hours, you’ll see the best of the city, including the highlights mentioned above, all in your own language. The Dutch guide, who resides in this Tuscan gem, will share all the ins and outs with you.
Don’t miss out and come cycling in Lucca with Baja Bikes. Book the Highlights Bike Tour online now to secure your spot. You can also explore nearby Pisa & Florence by bike. See you soon!
Highlights Bike Tour
Lucca attractions on Google Map
To assist you in planning your visit to Lucca, we have created an interactive Google Map. This map features the city’s main attractions, from the city walls to Puccini’s birthplace and more. Click on the markers to learn more about each location. Whether you want to plan your day or just wander around, this map is a handy guide for your city trip to Lucca